Friday, January 29, 2016

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Planning funerals for military veterans and retirees can be overwhelming for their families, and the Defense Department’s director of casualty and mortuary affairs wants family members to familiarize themselves in advance, when possible, to know what to expect with military funeral honors.

Deborah S. Skillman said families should learn about military funeral honors eligibility ahead of time to know what choices are available. She also recommended that family members should ensure they have access to the veteran’s discharge papers, also called DD Form 214, to prove eligibility.

It’s also critical for family members who want military funeral honors to tell the funeral director, who can make the request for them, Skillman said. The honors are not automatic, and must be requested through the veteran’s branch of service, she noted.

“Families (also) need to know DOD is going to be there when the honors are requested,” Skillman added.

DOD policy is mandated by law to provide a minimum of a two-person uniformed detail to present the core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, and one service member must represent the veteran’s branch of service, she said. The core elements include playing taps, folding the American flag and presenting the flag to the family.

“The members are going to treat it with the same effort and bearing no matter the size of the detail,” said Master Sgt. Jason Crumpton, 19th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Burials with military funeral honors can be conducted at national, veterans’ or private cemeteries, she said.

“Some families may have known that their loved one served but know very little about the military. So we are the only exposure they might ever see,” he said.

Options exist if resources permit.

“While DOD is required to provide a (two-service-member) detail, policy encourages each service secretary to provide additional elements, such as the firing team and pallbearers, if resources permit. However, full honors are always provided for active-duty deaths,” Skillman said.

“Military honors may consist of three-rifle volleys by a firing team,” she said, and added that veteran service organizations often participate in burials with military honors to serve as pallbearers and to provide a firing team.

The Veterans Affairs Department also offers other benefits, such as headstones, Skillman said.

“Although they may have served 40 or 50 years ago, we haven’t forgotten,” said Crumpton. “We send out a team of professionals not just volunteers to thank them one last time.”

The 19th Medical Group will be undergoing multiple construction projects from now through the fall that will enhance capabilities and increase patient and staff safety. The clinic will remain fully operational during the construction projects. Visit the “19th Medical Group - Little Rock AFB” Facebook Page.

2016 Scholarships for military children program open

The 2016 Scholarships for military children program is open! Students must submit applications to the base commissary no later than February 12, 2016. Details are available at www.militaryscholar.org/sfmc. A total of 700 scholarship grants, each for $2,000, will be awarded for school year 2016-17. In 2015, the Little Rock Commissary awarded 5 scholarships. There will be at least one recipient selected at every commissary location where qualified applications are received, and additional recipients will be selected based on a prorate basis, so more applicants will be selected from those commissaries with larger numbers of applicants. Commissaries are an integral part of the quality of life offered to service members and their families. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide. For more information and applications, visit http://www.militaryscholar.org/sfmc. Applications are also available at the commissary.

Legal office hours change

The base legal Office has new hours of operation start Monday, Feb. 1. Powers of attorney and notary services are available Monday - Friday, 9 - 11 a.m., and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 2 - 3 p.m. Active duty and family members walk-in legal assistance is available Mondays, 2 - 3 p.m., and Wednesdays, 9 - 11 a.m. Active duty and family member will executions by appointment only Mondays , 3 p.m., and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Retiree legal assistance is available by appointment only the second and fourth Friday of the month, 9 - 11 a.m. Retiree will executions available by appointment only second and fourth Friday of the month, 11 a.m. The legal office closes Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. for training. For worksheets for wills, advance medical directives and powers of attorney visit https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil. For more information, call 987-7886.

Deployed family dinner

The chapel sponsors its quarterly Deployed Family Dinner Feb. 9 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Hangar 1080. The event features games, prizes and entertainment and a free Chick-fil-A meal provided by Pinnacle Point Behavioral Health. The event is open to family members of deployed personnel.

Catholic parish coordinator

Little Rock AFB Chapel is accepting sealed bids for a catholic parish coordinator. The individual is required to coordinate catholic parish programs, ministry volunteers and leaders, volunteer training, budget inputs and scheduled events. Interested bidders should have formal training relevant to this position or at least two years’ experience (work or as a volunteer) in a similar or related field. An associate’s degree is required, but higher education preferred. Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of the contract will be based upon the “best value” to the government. Bid documents including the statement of work, criteria of selection and general provisions can be obtained from the Chapel, Bldg. 950, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m. All sealed bids must be received by the Chapel no later than Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. For more information associated with duties and bid submission for this contract position, call 987-6014.

Protestant parish coordinator

The base chapel is accepting sealed bids for a protestant parish coordinator. The individual is required to coordinate protestant parish programs, ministry volunteers and leaders, volunteer training, budget inputs and scheduled events. Interested bidders should have formal training relevant to this position or at least two years’ experience (work or as a volunteer) in a similar or related field. An associate’s degree is required, but higher education is preferred. Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of the contract will be based upon the “best value” to the government. Bid documents including the Statement of Work, criteria of selection and general provisions can be obtained at the Chapel, Bldg. 950, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. All sealed bids must be received no later than Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. For more information associated with duties and bid submission for this contract position, call 987-6014.

Friday, January 15, 2016

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

BLOOD CLOT FILTER PATIENTS - WARNING! If you or a loved
one had a filter placed and have suffered from a HEART ATTACK, STROKE, OR A
FAILURE IN THE FILTER, you may have a right to compensation. CONTACT ARKANSAS
MEDICAL DEVICE ATTORNEY SEAN T. KEITH, 479-621-6006, or 1-800-698-3644-3644,
www.dangerous-medicines.com. Keith, Miller, Butler, Schneider & Pawlick,
PLLC.**

WANTED 10 Homes needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR
WINDOWS! The Government has set aside Up to $25,000 per household for these
improvements. Save Hundreds of dollars!!!! *Free Estimate. Payments
$59/Mo. No money down. Senior and Military discounts, 866-668-8681*wac.**

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Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience
necessary. No Layoffs. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

The base chapel is accepting sealed bids for a protestant parish coordinator. The individual is required to coordinate protestant parish programs, ministry volunteers and leaders, volunteer training, budget inputs and scheduled events. Interested bidders should have formal training relevant to this position or at least two years’ experience (work or as a volunteer) in a similar or related field. An associate’s degree is required, but higher education is preferred. Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of the contract will be based upon the “best value” to the government. Bid documents including the Statement of Work, criteria of selection and general provisions can be obtained at the Chapel, Bldg. 950, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. All sealed bids must be received no later than 9 a.m. Feb. 8. For more information associated with duties and bid submission for this contract position, call 987-6014.

Family Advocacy classes

Dad’s 101, a class for new dads taught by dads, is Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pregnancy 101 is Jan. 22 from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Family Advocacy Office.

All classes are held in the Family Advocacy Office. For more information or to register, call 987-7377.

Money found at BX

On the morning of Jan. 4 a sum of money was found by a base exchange associate. The owner of the money may claim by a written request to the exchange general manager, citing detail of the loss, its location and adequately describing the money being claimed. For more information, call the BX at 988-2337.

2015 tax requirements

Effective for tax year 2015 is another form in MyPay under Taxes, the IRS Form 1095. The Affordable Care Act signed into law March 23, 2010, requires all U.S. citizens and legal residents to obtain and maintain a minimum standard of health care insurance. For 2015, taxpayers are required to prove that they have obtained the minimum essential coverage, TRICARE qualifies for this coverage. Proof of coverage is the Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 1095: Employer Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage. Active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, retiree and civilians will need to have the IRS Form 1095 to file their 2015 taxes.

Retiree breakfast Jan. 15

The January retiree breakfast is Jan. 15 at 8:15 a.m. at Hangar 1080. Cost is $6. Representatives from the 19th Security Forces Squadron will talk about Trusted Traveler base access.

No Catholic Mass

The chapel will not host Catholic Mass services Sunday, Jan. 17, and Jan. 24. A listing of local community services are available at the “Little Rock AFB Chapel” Facebook page.

This past September, I had the privilege of attending family training at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hines Blind Rehabilitation Center near Chicago.

My husband, Raul, is a former C-130 pilot and Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who suffered from cardiac arrest last year that resulted in an anoxic brain injury, rendering him legally blind due to cortical vision impairment.

At the conclusion of family training, not only did I have a better appreciation of the challenges that people who are visually impaired face, but I also left with a renewed sense of risk management. After all, blind rehabilitation really is about teaching someone who had vision how to live life safely without sight, a primary sense. Isn’t that what the risk management process is all about: figuring out a way to do a task safely with a specific set of challenges?

One of the biggest skills that Raul had to learn during training was orientation and mobility. It’s as simple as it sounds, with the focus on orienting to an environment and getting from one place to the next. Raul has a specialized GPS device he uses to help him navigate using all verbal commands and simple buttons. He also uses special procedures, like “blocker cars,” to cross the street. For example, he waits until he sees a car moving in the direction that he wants to go and initiates his move with that car so that it becomes a block to stop other traffic from turning into him. Through the use of material (GPS device) and non-material solutions (blocker car procedures), he can safely cross streets on his own.

The other major area Raul focused upon was cooking. He has special tools to assist him in the kitchen; for instance, a cut-resistant glove to wear on his hand for holding food to be cut. He also has a special cutting board and a rocker knife for slicing difficult foods. For the range and oven, he uses tactile markings to identify where the dials need to be for different temperatures. He always cooks with a timer since he cannot see when the food is completely cooked and he sticks closely to recipes when cooking to ensure the meal is prepared properly. In the kitchen we again see both material (cut-resistant gloves and tactile markings) and non-material solutions (the use of timers and adhering strictly to the recipe) to overcome the challenges he faces.

Raul also participated in some woodworking while at the center and crafted a tablet holder. He even used a saw to do it! Once again, he used procedures and technology to assist in mitigating the risk of cutting his finger off. The technology he used is the Saw Stop, which has an automatic breaking system that stops the saw within a millisecond when it comes into contact with human body parts. Across the Air Force, many shops use the Saw Stop to prevent unnecessary injuries. Raul also had a very specific set of procedures he had to follow while using the saw, which included preparing everything in advance. Only when all his materials were in the proper place would he plug in the saw and turn it on. Once he was finished, he immediately unplugged the saw.

What Raul learned and practiced is simple risk management. We have detailed processes outlined in AFI 90-802, Risk Management, but when it really comes down to it, risk management is pretty simple:

1) Identify the task and hazards of the task.

2) Think through your plan of action and come up with ways to eliminate or minimize the hazard.

3) Implement solutions and evaluate. When thinking through the task and hazards, it is important to think through them both separately and together as a unit. The task or hazard alone may not pose much risk, but together they can be a recipe for disaster. We also must accept that hazards can be in our equipment, our plan, or ourselves.

Our own personal hazards can be due to lack of experience, lack of training or even simply because we did not get a good night’s rest. How often do we accurately assess our personal hazards? While I was at blind rehabilitation family training, I had the opportunity to meet Rico, a veteran who woke up one morning with a total loss of vision due to a rare genetic disease. He was attending blind rehabilitation training for the first time after living life legally blind for over eight years. He lived in such high denial for so long that he refused treatment and “managed” his way through his disability. He told me that his biggest regret was not getting help earlier.

How often do we ask for and accept help when we need it? Are we humble enough to acknowledge our own limitations and biases? When thinking of solutions, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider both material and non-material solutions. Maybe you have the solution that has not been thought of yet. When you are struggling with a task or aren’t sure of the right thing to do, a good wingman or supervisor can help. Collaboration is a valuable tool when solving complex problems.

Once you have a solution, take a moment to get a common sense check in order to help identify unintended consequences. Supervision is key during implementation, especially during high-risk tasks. Remember you are not in this alone, nobody is ever alone.

There are many activities we accomplish every day that we often take for granted, some as simple as getting up, making ourselves breakfast and driving to work. Whether it’s flying a challenging mission profile or going for a hike with friends, we can all use risk management.

Friday, January 8, 2016

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

BLOOD CLOT FILTER PATIENTS - WARNING! If you or a loved
one had a filter placed and have suffered from a HEART ATTACK, STROKE, OR A
FAILURE IN THE FILTER, you may have a right to compensation. CONTACT ARKANSAS
MEDICAL DEVICE ATTORNEY SEAN T. KEITH, 479-621-6006, or 1-800-698-3644-3644,
www.dangerous-medicines.com. Keith, Miller, Butler, Schneider & Pawlick,
PLLC.**

WANTED 10 Homes needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR
WINDOWS! The Government has set aside up to $25,000 per household for these
improvements. Save Hundreds of dollars!!!! *Free Estimate. Payments
$59/mo. No money down. Senior and Military discounts. 866-668-8681* wac.**

HELP WANTED

Immediate Hire - $725 a week. Are you self-motivated?
Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience
necessary. No Layoffs. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

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Military ID cardholders may now escort friends and family members riding in their vehicle onto base as part of the base’s Trusted Traveler program.

The Trusted Traveler program allows 19th Security Forces Squadron gate guards to inspect one valid military ID card per vehicle and trust the “traveler” to vouch the rest of the vehicle occupants in that same vehicle.

“The ‘Trusted Traveler’ program allows for decreased vehicle processing times at base gates while still meeting installation security requirements,” Jeffery Bardsley, 19th SFS plans and programs chief, said. “Visitors are still required to have a pass to get onto base and sponsors are still responsible for the actions of the people they escort to our base.”

Guests must still complete identity and background checks at the Vandenberg Gate visitors center and military affiliated members are accountable to ensure guests possess valid installation access credentials.

The program eases the burden of base access during high traffic hours while maintaining a constant state of security vigilance, according to the 19th SFS commander.

“Our No. 1 priority as Defenders is the safety of the men and women of Little Rock Air Force Base. Our gate guards still reserve the right to ask all vehicle occupants to show I.D. cards and visitor passes during random security checks,” Maj. Gregory Bodenstein said. “The effectiveness of this program hinges on everyone continuing to follow the rules of base access. As Defenders continue to focus on keeping the base secure, we trust those with base access to remain compliant with proper visitor access procedures.”

Base security forces will conduct random 100-percent I.D. checks of all vehicle occupants and pedestrians to ensure compliance with base access requirements. The program may be suspended to meet force protection condition changes. Finally, during the hours of 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. 100-percent I.D. checks will continue.

During the base chapel renovation project set to start this month, base chaplains and staffs will be temporarily located at alternate offices across the base.

- Chaplain (Maj. ) Randy Sellers and Master Sgt. David George will work out of the Crossroads Café in Bldg. 864 on Thomas Avenue.

- Chaplain (Maj. ) Elbert Fadallan and Staff Sgt. Alison Cline will work out of the main base chapel office.

- Chaplain (Capt.) James Bond and Chaplain ( Capt.) Eglon Angel will work out of their flight line office in Bldg. 276.

For more information, call 987-6014. For emergencies after hours, call the command post 987-1900 and ask for the on-call chaplain.

No Catholic Mass

The chapel will not host Catholic Mass services Sunday, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24. A listing of local community services are available at the “Little Rock AFB Chapel” Facebook page.

2015 tax requirements

Effective for tax year 2015 is another form in MyPay under Taxes, the IRS Form 1095. The Affordable Care Act signed into law March 23, 2010, requires all U.S. citizens and legal residents to obtain and maintain a minimum standard of health care insurance. For 2015, taxpayers are required to prove that they have obtained the minimum essential coverage, TRICARE qualifies for this coverage. Proof of coverage is the Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 1095: Employer Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage. Active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, retiree and civilians will need to have the IRS Form 1095 to file their 2015 taxes.

Retiree breakfast Jan. 15

The January retiree breakfast is Jan. 15 at 8:15 a.m. at Hangar 1080. Cost is $6. Representatives from the 19th Security Forces Squadron will talk about Trusted Traveler base access.

Every New Year brings with it a resolution to better oneself. Below are a few for keeping those New Year’s resolutions.

1. Commit! Consistency is the key for losing weight and keeping it off. You can start with made up food rules like 30 days of no bread or pasta and add new rules as you’re ready for a new challenge.

2. Don’t drink your calories. Drink plenty of water or other sugar-free beverages, like unsweetened tea or black coffee. Need new ideas to drink more water? Add fresh mint and a few chopped strawberries to the bottom of your water pitcher, or slices of fresh lemon and ginger root. Say “no” to sugary beverages like soda and juice.

3. Add two or three servings of vegetables to every meal. Stick with brightly colored non-starchy veggies. These veggies are naturally low calorie, low carb, low fat, low sodium and high fiber to help you fill up without eating too many calories.

4. Still hungry? Wait 20 minutes before having another helping at meal times. This extra time gives your body time to recognize if you are satisfied. If you are still hungry, start with a serving of veggies (at least a fist size portion) or a serving of healthy fat (like a closed handful of nuts, or a thumb tip of peanut butter or real butter). True hunger is a gradual sensation which grows with time and is open to a variety of food options. (Note: Cravings are not true hunger cues. They are sudden and for a specific foods. Contact the health promotions dietitian for more strategies if you are struggling with managing cravings.)

5. Bring your lunch to work. Meals are often too large in portion and loaded with hidden calories from unknown additives or sugars. Take control of what’s on your plate.

6. Is it worth it? Take one bite and ask yourself, “Is this less healthy food worth it?” If it’s not tasty at all, stop eating it and don’t waste your calories on another bite of junk you don’t even really like. Save your splurge for foods you truly enjoy, and on something you will slow down and savor.

Look for “Little Rock AFB HAWC” on www.facebook.com for more resolution tips. For even more tips on making or maintaining goals, visit www.littlerock.af.mil/comprehensiveairmanfitness.